Photo courtesy of Anadolu
The European Union had reaffirmed its support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the United States launched an initiative targeting what it described as a threat posed by the tribunal.
EU Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc’s position on the ICC remained unchanged, emphasizing its commitment to international justice and efforts to hold perpetrators of serious crimes accountable.
El Anouni said the EU respected the court’s independence and impartiality, while warning that attacks or threats against the ICC, its officials, staff, or those cooperating with it were unacceptable.
He rejected claims that the court undermined national sovereignty, saying the ICC focused on prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other grave offenses.
Another European Commission spokesperson, Siobhan McGarry, said the bloc remained committed to protecting the ICC’s independence and ensuring it could continue its operations.
McGarry said the EU was supporting the court’s investigations and was assessing possible diplomatic, legal, and financial measures in coordination with the ICC, member states, and other partners.
The ICC, established under the 1998 Rome Statute, investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of the most serious international crimes.
The statements came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched a campaign against the ICC, accusing the tribunal of interfering with US military and law enforcement activities and threatening American sovereignty.